Whitecaps FC Residency teams host pair of MLS Academies this weekend

Vancouver Whitecaps FC Residency teams will play their first home fixtures of 2013 this weekend as they continue their United States Soccer Development Academy (USSDA) seasons this weekend.

On Saturday, the 'Caps U-18s and U-16s will come up against LA Galaxy academy teams at South Surrey Athletic Park, while on Sunday they play at Cloverdale Athletic Park in Surrey for matches against Chivas USA academy squads.

Gordon Forrest’s U-18s side is going strong in the West Conference, Northwest Division with an 8W-5L-1D record, putting them in second place in the league. They kick off at 12 p.m. PT on Saturday against LA Galaxy, who are second in the West Conference, Southwest Division with a 9W-2L-2D record. On Sunday, the U-18s take on Chivas USA, who find themselves sixth in the Southwest Division with a 5W-5L-5D record. Kickoff is at 10 a.m. PT.

The U-16s (6W-6L-2D) are currently fourth in the West Conference, Northwest Division and will be looking to triumph over seventh place LA Galaxy (3W-5L-5D) on Saturday. Kickoff is at 2:30 p.m. PT. On Sunday, Craig Dalrymple’s team take on third place Chivas USA (9W-2L-4D) with kickoff at 12:30 p.m. PT.

Whitecaps FC Residency U-18s tasted victory in California against both Cal Odyssey and San Jose Earthquakes a fortnight ago to maintain their 100% win record in 2013. They beat Cal Odyssey 2-1 before coming away with a 3-0 victory against San Jose Earthquakes.

Head coach Gordon Forrest is predicting two hard-fought matches against two talented MLS academy sides.

“Obviously being against MLS clubs, they will be two challenging matches against two very well organized squads,” said Forrest. “It will be a good test for our players and a good chance to see where we stand against them.”

U-16

The U-16s are looking to get in te win column in 2013, as last time out lost to Cal Odyssey 3-0 and San Jose Earthquakes 3-2. They will be looking to improve in only their second and third home games of the season.

Due to several players from the U-18 squad being absent because of international call-ups and injuries, a few U-16s will get their chance on the U-18 squad, which also means that several U-15 players will suit up for the U-16s. The opportunity is one head coach Craig Dalrymple believes is a great chance for his players.

“We have had to shuffle players around this week because of international duty and injuries,” said Dalrymple. “We have had a few players called up to the U-18 squad for the weekend, which is fantastic and a great opportunity for them to prove themselves at a higher level. These matches will be a great opportunity to be tested against two MLS squads and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”